Seongsan Ilchulbong

Such a beautiful place! Here you can see Haenyeo (free diving fisher women) at 2pm for free (when you go up the entrance, take the way on the left (on the right you will have to pay for the park). We were not lucky as the sea was rough so they cancelled the show the day we went

One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Unfortunately, the sky wasn’t clear on the day I went, so I couldn’t see the sunrise but it was still an incredible experience. We started the hike early in the morning, hoping to catch the sunrise. I believe that’s the best time to do the hike, though I’m sure it would be a memorable experience at any time of day. We came down after sunrise, and as the sun rose, the entire hill lit up beautifully. Watching the clouds drift past the hilltops was another breathtaking moment.

Beautiful views of the crater and ocean. Summit walk costs 5,000 each and took us 18 minutes to get to the top with a few stops. The whole summit walk is via stairs so not too challenging and worth the views. Some stunning views via the free path as well.

This was an amazing hike for my daughter and I. Not for the weak. Lots of steps. I mean LOTS. It takes about 25 minutes or more to reach the top. Great views. And maybe 20 minutes to hike down. Suggestions are carrying a hand fan and having a change of clothing with you to change into. You will sweat. And the humidity can be really thick and heavy.

First of all, you need to be somewhat fit to make it to the top. It's like 20 minutes of constant steep uphill steps, so for a normal person, you will be tired. Once up there, you will see the big crater. There will be lots of seats for you to sit and rest while enjoying the view. For me, I think the descending view is much more interesting and beautiful than the crater. If you're somewhat fit and feel like making it to the top, then go for it, the views will be worth it. But if you need to go out of your way and spend all your reserves energy to get to the top, then there is no need. You can walk around the base instead, and it will be equally as interesting. There are plenty of parking, so it was easy to commute.

There are two tracks that can choose either to purchase tickets for the route that goes to the peak of the mountain. Or the other track that is the view of the seaside of the mountain. There’s speed ferry for trying. A lot of visitor queuing for photo taking. Nothing much to see if no buying of the tickets

A crater left behind by volcanic eruptions thousands of years ago. This is a great place to view sunrise as the summit is directly facing the east with the sea as a backdrop. The short hike up is steep and a round trip takes about 50mins. The park opens as early as 4.30am for those who would like to catch the daybreak at the summit with ample seatings in an amphitheater setting. There are many resting points along the way. There is even a plague at the entrance area which records the sunrise timing for each of the 365 days in a year. It has been coined the new 7 wonders of nature.

The hike is steep but the view is amazing. Please note that you only need to pay if you want to go up. There’s also a free path, plus the Hanyeo restaurant and beach, that are also free to enter.